Senior Designer (Interior Design/Architecture)

As a Senior Designer at Rapt, you will lead design projects from start to finish, managing multiple assignments simultaneously. You'll collaborate closely with Studio Leads and Design Directors, oversee project teams, and ensure that every project aligns with our clients' visions and Rapt's standards. Your role will involve conceptualizing design solutions, conducting detailed budget reviews, and navigating building codes and client relations.

To qualify for the Senior Designer position at Rapt, candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or Interior Design, complemented by a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a design or architecture studio. Proficiency in tools like Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is crucial, along with expertise in managing project teams and construction administration.

At Rapt, we prioritize the growth of our employees. Senior Designers not only create impactful designs but also take on leadership roles, mentoring fellow staff members. We encourage continuous learning and collaboration, providing opportunities for creative exploration and professional advancement within a supportive environment.

Working at Rapt offers a unique blend of structured collaboration and flexible working hours. We embrace a hybrid work model, allowing our Senior Designers to spend three days a week in the studio for team engagements while providing the flexibility to work from home. This encourages a healthy balance between collaboration and personal productivity.

The estimated salary range for a Senior Designer at Rapt is between $90,000 to $140,000. Compensation is determined by relevant experience and qualifications, and we also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical dental and vision insurance, unlimited paid time off, and a 401K plan with employer contributions.

When tackling a design project, my approach begins with understanding the client's needs and objectives. I prioritize establishing clear communication with project teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment on expectations. Throughout the process, I focus on maintaining organized documentation and timelines while staying open to feedback and new ideas as they arise.

I stay inspired by engaging with various forms of art, architecture, and design resources. I regularly visit galleries and museums, follow industry trends via publications, and participate in workshops. Additionally, I love brainstorming with my team—collaboration often sparks fresh concepts that push our projects further.

I primarily use Revit for detailed design work and AutoCAD for drafting blueprints. SketchUp is fantastic for quick 3D modeling during the conceptual phase, while Adobe Creative Suite is essential for presentation materials and graphic design elements. Each tool serves its purpose in enhancing the efficiency and quality of my work.

I believe in addressing conflicts head-on with open communication. I prefer to set up a team meeting where everyone can express their concerns and ideas. This collaborative approach helps us navigate challenges collectively, ensuring we focus on finding solutions that are beneficial for the project and all team members.

I utilize tools like Gantt charts and Kanban boards to create visual timelines for project milestones. Setting clear deadlines and assigning roles and responsibilities is crucial. I also hold regular check-ins with the team to assess progress, adjust timelines if needed, and ensure everyone has the resources they require.

For projects demanding innovation, I initiate brainstorming sessions that draw insights from diverse areas of expertise. I encourage my team to think outside the box and present unconventional ideas without judgment. This inclusive atmosphere unearths solutions that often lead our projects to unexpected and successful outcomes.

One project I led was a comprehensive redesign of a corporate office space. It was successful due to extensive client engagement from the start, allowing us to align closely with their vision. By integrating eco-friendly materials and innovative layouts, we transformed the space to enhance employee well-being, which later reflected positively on their productivity.

A Senior Designer should possess strong leadership qualities, effective communication skills, and the ability to mentor others. Additionally, being adaptable and open to feedback is crucial in today’s evolving design landscape, as it enables a designer to stay relevant and responsive to changing client needs.

I remain informed about the latest building codes and regulations through continuous education and by consulting regularly with legal and compliance teams. Before finalizing designs, I conduct thorough reviews of our plans to ensure all aspects meet jurisdictional requirements, preventing issues later in the construction phase.

Balancing creativity and practicality is vital, and I achieve this through iterative design processes. I generate creative concepts and then assess them against feasibility metrics, such as budget and materials. This ensures that innovative ideas are not only visually stunning but also practical and executable within the project constraints.